US President Barack Obama walks down airplane stairs during his arrival on Air Force One at Beijing Capital International Airport, Monday, Nov. 10, 2014 in Beijing. (Associated Press)
President Barack Obama is opening a three-country tour of the Asia-Pacific region with a stop in China.
Barack Obama arrived on Monday morning in Beijing after an overnight flight from Washington. He plans to give a speech about US-Asia ties at a high-level Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. He'll also join key Asian leaders for dinner before a performance and fireworks at the Beijing National Aquatics Center.
During the visit, Obama will also meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping (shee jihn-peeng) before the state visit draws to a close on Wednesday and Obama flies to Myanmar.
Last week, Obama's political party was pummeled in the midterm elections. His visit to Asia will test his ability to play a commanding role on the world stage during his final two years in office.